TASHKENT, October 26. /Dunyo IA/.  The 8^th Uzbekistan International Mining & Metals Forum – UIMF 2026 will take place on October 27–28^th at the “Congress Hall” of “Uzexpocentre” NEC, with the continued support of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan Metallurgical Association, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Forum is organised by Congresses of Central Asia – CCA in partnership with Iteca Exhibitions.

Mining and metals industry encompasses a wide range of interconnected and complex processes. Its main activities include mineral exploration, developing the most effective methods of extracting and processing, and ensuring that finished products meet the best quality standards. Research and implementation of modern technologies also play an important role in improving production efficiency.

Resources are the major factor shaping the industry's development today. Uzbekistan possesses substantive mineral wealth, including reserves of gold, silver and a range of critical minerals. The industry has several main priorities, including production diversification, digital transformation and investment promotion. Meeting these challenges calls for more than technology: it also requires the exchange of expertise, professional dialogue and cooperation among government, business and industry experts.

UIMF has established itself as a leading platform for expert discussions on industry strategies and emerging trends, attracting sustained interest from across the mining and metals sector. This year, Forum will explore its main theme: “From Resources to Global Opportunities”. Natural resources offer considerable scope for industrial development, innovation and stronger international business ties. Making effective use of mineral wealth, adopting modern technologies and modernizing production processes help the industry become more competitive and lay a firm foundation for long-term economic growth.

Forum will bring together 40 speakers and moderators and more than 500 delegates from 19 countries, including: Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, the UAE, the United Kingdom, the USA and Uzbekistan.

Forum's General Partner – “Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex JSC”, is an integrated industrial company developing Uzbekistan's critical minerals and metals sector.

Forum programme comprises 7 sessions on the main topics, including: the strategic role of critical minerals, new financing models for mining and metals projects, Mining 5.0 autonomous mining systems, use of Artificial Intelligence in mineral exploration, technologies for developing deep deposits, next-generation metallurgy and industrial energy efficiency.

Program will also feature strategic discussions on the future of Central Asia's resource-based economy, development of critical mineral resources, international investment and modernising mining and metals enterprises.

Participants will focus on several priorities: shifting from raw material extraction to high-tech manufacturing and value chains, developing Uzbekistan's industrial capacity and strengthening the region's competitiveness in the international markets.

Program will give particular attention to discussions on critical minerals and the metals of the future, the resources of strategic importance to high-tech manufacturing. The participants will explore opportunities to expand the mineral resource base, adopt advanced processing technologies and strengthen international industrial cooperation.

A dedicated part of the program will address the issue of promoting capital to the mining and metals sector, developing green finance and creating new investment modalities for major industrial projects.

Representatives of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Metallurgical Association, leading industrial enterprises, international industry organizations and technology companies are scheduled to take part in the discussions.

Program will include the following speakers: Ms. Feruza Khamidova, First Deputy Minister, Mr. Ural Yusupov, Deputy Minister, Mr. Christopher Duggan, Canada's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Ms. Astrid Karamira, representative of International Lithium Association, and experts from S&P Global Energy, Worley, KfW IPEX-Bank, ORICA, Worley, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte and RJLL Drilling.

As global markets undergo transformation, UIMF 2026 offers an important platform for setting industry priorities, building technology partnerships and finding solutions that will shape the future competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s mining industry.

For further information, please contact the CCA Press Office:

Phone: + (998 71) 237 15 54

E-mail: uimf@cca.uz

Website: www.uimf.uz